The Toyota Matrix is a tall, yet compact, wagon with a dash of sporty style thrown in to give this practical vehicle some “cool” factor. Toyota typically markets the Matrix to younger car shoppers, though in reality, it attracts buyers of all ages with its attractive combination of features. 

The Toyota Matrix is a compact hatchback – or crossover – that closely resembles the Pontiac Vibe. The joint venture project between Toyota and General Motors is the sporty wagon complement of the Toyota Corolla. 

Although practically identical in terms of their interior and mechanical makeup, the Matrix and Vibe have diverse sheet metal designs. Each automobile – Toyota calls the Matrix a CUV or Crossover Utility Vehicle – is a tall, narrow station wagon-type car with a splash of “sporty” thrown in to give it a “cool” dynamic. Toyota builds it with the youthful buyers’ market in mind, but it attracts buyers of all ages with its attractive combination of features. 

A 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine that generates 132 horsepower powers the 2010 Matrix base model. Toyota installs a 2.4-liter engine, 158-horsepower engine in the S and XRS trim designs. The 1.8-liter power plant gets ample energy from the manual transmission, but the automatic gets only four gears. The 2.4-liter automatic transmission is equipped with five gears, so it’s the route to take with that power plant. In terms of gas mileage, the 1.8 rates as high as 26 in the city and 32 on the highway, compared to 20/26 with the automatic and four-wheel drive. 

The Toyota Matrix is fuel efficient and practical, but finicky reviewers mention the car’s average cabin equipment and undistinguished performance. Overall, the Matrix is a convenient car. Its spacious cargo space, good visibility from the front seats and excellent gas mileage are prominent among small cars and hatchbacks. 

Matrix owners can find Toyota used parts from companies like All-Import Auto Parts that sell auto parts online. Internet parts for car suppliers offer rebuilt auto parts and foreign auto parts that allow Matrix owners to drive with more assurance knowing they have the highest-quality replacement car parts and car accessories in their Toyota.